Lions, tigers and bears: 11 of the best wildlife experiences in Yorkshire

Although it may be unexpected for Yorkshire to have a wide array of different wild animals or various tropical species, the region has a selection of intriguing and immersive wildlife experiences.

These are perfect for a day out with the family, a group activity or just a chance to learn more about different species and breeds of animals, providing exciting experiences for all to enjoy.

Sewerby Hall and Gardens has its very own zoo, where you can visit and be introduced to an exciting world of mammals and birds

SMJ Falconry, Oxenhope, West Yorkshire

SMJ Falconry offer exclusive experiences and services regarding different birds of prey. Located in the 'Brontë Country' countryside of Oxenhope, SMJ have more than sixty birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, eagles and owls.

There are an array of different activities to choose from, including displays where you interact with and handle the birds, watch Static and Flying displays or just gain a further insight into the variety of birds of prey.

The converted glasshouses house botanical gardens and habitats for a huge variety of plants, butterflies and animals including fish, quails and terrapins and the Jungle Experience provides and maintains a collection of exotic plants.

Opened in 1999, the Leeds sanctuary is located on the rural outskirts of the city and offers donkey-assisted learning facilities. As well as providing donkey-assisted therapy services, this sanctuary is open to visitors at designated hours, where you can meet the donkeys and even adopt one if you wanted to.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, built on the site of Brockholes Farm Visitor Centre.

This is a dynamic centre for conservation and welfare and houses over 400 animals and over 70 different species of animal, including tigers, lions, camels and wallabies, offering a fun day out for all the family.

Sheffield Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre is a large alternative zoo with wildlife including meerkats, prairie dogs and birds of prey.

Every day, this centre puts on an exciting timetable of animal encounters and shows, during which you can meet splendid animals from around the world in an up-close capacity and learn more about them from the specialist keepers and presenters.

This North Yorkshire bird garden and animal park is a place where you can meet and feed a variety of friendly animals, including giant rabbits to woolly alpacas, spotty pigs and miniature ponies.

Visit the Worm-world and Mini-beast Mansion to get in touch with your senses and activities such as putting your hands in the feely boxes or taking part in an exciting treasure hunt makes for a great day of family fun.

Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park, Bridlington, East Yorkshire

At Bridlington Birds of Prey & Animal Park you will find a wide array of different animals spread across 21 acres of natural habitat.

Venture round the park and through different habitat zones, ranging from the parkland to the natural woodland area, visiting mammals such as meerkats, goats, alpacas and wallabies, and birds of prey such as the boobook owl or the bengal eagle owl.

This huge aquarium has over 3000 creatures, including sharks and sawfish and allows you to explore the underwater world.

Here you can explore over 4 billion years of ocean history, ranging from giant fossils to Megalodon shark teeth, alongside viewing an impressive school of large Horse-eye jacks and a wide variety of sharks and rays, including the Green sawfish – The Deep being the only place in the UK where you can see them.